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New York — Mayor de Blasio and First Lady McCray announced a plan Monday to provide all New Yorkers with access to mental health support. The plan is designed to be a fixture of New York City’s government response and is aimed at addressing the mental health needs of City residents.
“In New York City, healthcare is not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. It is a human right for all,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Mental Health For All is our commitment to every one of the 8.6 million people in our City: we will support you every step of the way in living a happy and healthy life.”
This new initiative expands on the existing programs such as ThriveNYC and other City agencies.
“Every new program from ThriveNYC and City agencies, every expansion of services over the past seven years is a direct response to what we heard from New Yorkers – who asked for easier access to care, culturally competent counselors who speak their language and more coordination across government and community organizations to solve entrenched problems,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “As we emerge from COVID-19, we are building on that foundation. “With this executive order and the creation of the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health, we are ensuring this work will be a lasting contribution to New York City for years to come.”
The plan includes starting mental health support at vaccination sites across the City by having Mental Health workers provide connections, support, resources and check-ins.
A Community Behavioral Health Academy will be created by The City in partnership with CUNY School of Professional Studies to train more than 5,000 City agency staff and social service providers over the course of three years. This academy will prepare the staff to provide mental health care for the people that come to them for assistance.
“CUNY SPS is very excited to be a part of the development of the Community Behavioral Health Academy,” said John Mogulescu, Dean of the CUNY School of Professional Studies. “Particularly after last year, when COVID-19 stormed the city, the need to provide New Yorkers with mental health support is more critical than ever. What we have endured as a city will be with us for many years and the Academy will serve a major role in helping us to address and recover from this trauma. We are looking forward to collaborating on this important initiative with our partners at the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity.”
Additionally, a Mental Health for All website and public education campaign will be developed to assist New Yorkers in finding the mental health support and resources that fits their needs and is available to them.
Mayor de Blasio announced the creation of Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health which will be hold multiple responsibilities including managing $225M in community-based mental health services, providing support for communities, promoting the resources available, and overseeing new investments that are included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Executive budget in regards to mental health services.
“Mental health resources have never been more important or urgent,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “We have proven what works and we now have an opportunity to give these services the resources they need to reach all New Yorkers.”
